18th July 2004

Australian British F3 driver, Will Power has not been able to shake his run of tough luck after rounds 15 and 16 this weekend at Oulton Park.ÿ Will, in is Mugen-Honda Alan Docking Racing Dallara, was forced to part the meeting with no points after a collision and a mechanical failure put paid to his point scoring chances.

Oulton Park played host to very changeable weather conditions throughout the weekend.ÿ This meant that in qualifying one on a wet and drying track, crossing the line last would ensure the driest line.ÿ Will stayed out all session and was unfortunately the first to hit the flag, initially making it into the top three but dropping down as others crossed the line, a scholarship car even making P3.ÿ Will finished 7th fastest with a time of 1:44.055, .3secs off pole.

It rained heavily between sessions but as the F3's made an appearance, so did the sun – the track was drying very quickly.ÿ The ADR number 10 car came in mid session for a tyre change, as did most of the field, but stayed on wets. Will came in again one lap later for slicks and it was a mad rush in the pit lane as each team struggled to make the swap. Unluckily, James Rossiter pulled out of the pit-lane ahead of Will when he was 4th fastest with two laps to go.ÿ Will couldn't back off or go faster in the traffic so dropped back to 6th with a time of 1:32.680, .7secs off pole.

It was dry but threatening rain for race one.ÿ Will battled with Karun Chandhok, found his way passed and was gaining on 4th placed Rossiter in the opening laps.ÿ Ryan Lewis, with his scholarship car, decided to let others through and fight his own battle – but he may have not seen Will as he shut the door into turn one, leaving room for Danny Watts to pass them both.ÿ Whilst Will battled with Watts a lap later, Marco Asmer caught the pair and locked up into turn two, hitting the rear of Will and turning him into a violent spin.ÿ Will rejoined the pack and made his way up to 12th before the end of the race.

Race two was sunnier, but much shorter.ÿ Will was keen to hold on to a point's paying position so was playing it safe and remained in 6th off the start and in the opening laps.ÿ On lap 7 however, Will passed the pits with a sick car and managed to pull up further around the track with a terminal mechanical failure.

"What can you say after a weekend like that? It's a pity to come away with nothing, with all the effort everyone puts in for a race meeting." Said Will.ÿ "There's no excuses though, it is what it is and you can always do better."ÿ

"I'm hoping to get in a couple of test days now that we have a four week break, I also have the arranged Minardi F1 test coming up that I am really looking forward to so I will be training hard for that. Will enthused.ÿ "We still have four race meetings remaining and I am aiming to heat things back up in terms of the championship."


//Ends